Dermatology Notes for Competitive Exams : Part 3 (Common skin Infections)
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues, typically caused by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus bacteria. It can occur anywhere on the body, but commonly affects the legs, feet, and face.
Causes:
Cellulitis is caused by bacteria that enter the skin through a cut, scrape, or insect bite. It can also occur as a complication of a surgical wound or as a result of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of cellulitis include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and tenderness in the affected area. The skin may also appear shiny and tight, and blisters may develop. In severe cases, fever, chills, and nausea may occur.
Diagnosis:
Cellulitis is diagnosed based on physical examination and medical history. Your doctor may also order blood tests, a wound culture, or imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to rule out other conditions.
Treatment:
Treatment for cellulitis involves antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Prevention:
To prevent cellulitis, it is important to keep skin clean and moisturized, avoid skin injuries, and practice good hygiene. If you have a wound or skin condition, it is important to seek prompt medical attention and follow your doctor's instructions for care.
Complications:
If left untreated, cellulitis can lead to serious complications such as sepsis, abscess formation, and tissue damage. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have cellulitis to prevent these complications.
Prognosis:
With prompt and appropriate treatment, most cases of cellulitis resolve within a few days to a week. However, recurrent cellulitis may occur, especially in those with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become inflamed and infected, typically caused by bacteria or fungus. It can occur anywhere on the body where hair follicles are present, including the scalp, face, neck, chest, back, buttocks, arms, and legs.
Causes:
Folliculitis is caused by a variety of factors including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. It can also be caused by shaving or waxing, tight clothing, excessive sweating, and skin irritation from chemicals or oils.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of folliculitis include small, red bumps or white-headed pimples around hair follicles, often accompanied by itching or burning sensations. In severe cases, the bumps may become painful and filled with pus, and may lead to scarring or hair loss.
Diagnosis:
Folliculitis is diagnosed based on physical examination and medical history. Your doctor may also order a skin culture or biopsy to identify the specific type of bacteria or fungus causing the infection.
Treatment:
Treatment for folliculitis involves antibiotics or antifungal medications to eliminate the infection. In some cases, topical creams or ointments may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching. In severe cases, oral medications may be necessary.
Prevention:
To prevent folliculitis, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors. If you shave, use a clean razor and avoid shaving too closely to the skin. Wear loose clothing to avoid irritation and avoid using oils or lotions on areas prone to folliculitis.
Complications:
If left untreated, folliculitis can lead to complications such as furunculosis (deep skin abscesses), carbunculosis (multiple abscesses), or even cellulitis (skin infection). It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have folliculitis to prevent these complications.
Prognosis:
With prompt and appropriate treatment, most cases of folliculitis resolve within a few days to a week. However, recurrent or chronic folliculitis may occur, especially in those with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions.
Furuncle, Carbuncle and Abscess
Furuncles, carbuncles, and abscesses are all types of skin infections that can occur anywhere on the body. They are caused by bacteria entering the skin through a cut or other injury, and can result in the formation of painful, swollen lumps or pockets of pus. Here is a detailed description of each:
Furuncle:
A furuncle, commonly known as a boil, is a deep, painful infection of a hair follicle or oil gland. It typically starts as a small, red bump that gradually grows larger and more tender over several days. Eventually, the furuncle forms a white or yellow center filled with pus. Furuncles can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the face, neck, armpits, and buttocks.
Carbuncle:
A carbuncle is a cluster of furuncles that form a larger, more widespread infection. It is typically larger and more painful than a furuncle, and may have several pus-filled centers. Carbuncles are most commonly found on the back of the neck, shoulders, and thighs.
Abscess:
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within the body, often in response to a bacterial infection. Abscesses can occur anywhere on the body and can range in size from small, localized infections to larger, deep-seated infections. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the affected area, as well as fever and chills in more severe cases.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
The diagnosis of furuncles, carbuncles, and abscesses is typically based on a physical examination and medical history. Your doctor may also order blood tests, imaging tests, or cultures to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.
Treatment for these infections typically involves antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection, as well as draining any pus-filled pockets or abscesses. In some cases, incision and drainage may be necessary to remove the infected material. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to manage symptoms.
Prevention:
To prevent furuncles, carbuncles, and abscesses, it is important to practice good hygiene and avoid skin injuries. Keep skin clean and dry, avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors, and wear protective clothing in situations where skin contact with potentially infected surfaces is possible. If you have a wound or skin condition, it is important to seek prompt medical attention and follow your doctor's instructions for care.
Impetigo
A highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria
Symptoms: Small red sores or blisters that rupture and form honey-colored crusts
Causes: Spread through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects
Treatment: Topical or oral antibiotics, proper wound care, and good hygiene practices
Prevention: Regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects
Erythrasma
A bacterial skin infection that affects the superficial layer of the skin.
Symptoms: Pink or brown patches on the skin that may be itchy or scaly.
Causes: Overgrowth of a bacteria called Corynebacterium minutissimum in warm, moist areas of the body.
Risk factors: Diabetes, obesity, and immunosuppression.
Diagnosis: Visual examination and possibly a skin scraping or culture.
Treatment: Topical or oral antibiotics, keeping the affected area clean and dry.
Prevention: Maintaining good hygiene, wearing breathable clothing, and keeping skin dry.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
A chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the hair follicles and sweat glands in areas such as the armpits, groin, and buttocks.
Symptoms: Painful, deep-seated nodules, abscesses, and tunnels that can lead to scarring and deformities.
Causes: Exact cause is unknown, but may be related to hormonal imbalances, genetics, and immune system dysfunction.
Risk factors: Female gender, smoking, obesity, and family history.
Diagnosis: Visual examination and possibly a biopsy.
Treatment: Topical or oral antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and surgery in severe cases.
Prevention: Maintaining good hygiene, losing weight if overweight, quitting smoking, and avoiding tight clothing.
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